#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Facades in Fishtown
(Photo by @thetinybun)
For students looking for a career in tech, unique program offers training — and a cash stipend
Yara Kemeh learned about Launchpad Philly after watching her friend, who was a part of the organization, give a presentation.
“They had an app idea, and they presented the app idea,” she said. “There’s an audience, and I was one of those in the audience supporting my friend. And I saw a lot of women of color and people of color in this program, and it encouraged me to come in, since I’m an Arab woman.”
The program provides skills — and cash stipends — in preparing young adults for high-paying tech jobs. Continue reading …
Philly voter turnout rose to 34% this election — the highest in at least a decade. Why?
Voter turnout in Philadelphia was significantly higher in the 2025 general election than it was during the off-year contest in November 2021. Roughly 34% of registered voters cast a ballot, according to unofficial results posted by the Office of the City Commissioners. That’s the highest percentage for an off-year election in at least a decade. Four years ago, that figure was about 22%.
Lauren Cristella, president and CEO of the Committee of Seventy, has a theory: “I think what we’re seeing is this trend that all politics are national.” Continue reading …
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Election 2025: How Philly’s suburbs voted on open space, policing ballot questions. [WHYY]
• Philly voter turnout rose to 34% this election — the highest in at least a decade. Here’s why. [WHYYx2]
• The contract with SEPTA’s largest workers’ union expires Friday, Nov. 7, but union leaders have instructed members to stay on the job as negotiations continue. [WHYY]
• Kada Scott’s family is inviting the public to her funeral Saturday “to join in celebrating her life.” [PhillyVoice]
• Fishtown residents joined efforts to deliver food to neighbors amid the federal SNAP benefits freeze. [WHYY]
• The West Philly Tool Library is closed for a month and is expected to reopen at a new location, after a successful fundraising effort. [West Philly Local]
• This year’s Wanamaker Light Show will offer beer, cocktails, and comfort food. [Inq$]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker, city officials and partners will help inform people about the impact of real estate appraisals and how they can become appraisers, at 1515 Market St., Room 222. (11 a.m.)
The mayor will speak about how a donation from Aramark will enable the expansion of the One Philly Produce Project, a citywide effort to deliver fresh, fruits and vegetables to students and families at schools, at Vare-Washington Elementary School, 1198 S. 5th Street. (2:15 p.m.)
The Oye! One Philly Latino Oratorical Showcase will bring together elementary, middle and high school students from across Philadelphia to celebrate Latino history, civic engagement, and the power of student voices through oratory and poetry, at the Mayor’s Reception Room, 1400 John F. Kennedy Blvd. (6 p.m.)
ON THE CALENDAR
🍂 Autumn festival lineup
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
🎞️ Ongoing: The Declaration’s Journey — Available on the WHYY YouTube Channel. New episodes will appear every two weeks.
Friday, Nov. 7: First Friday: Nautical Navigation
Think you have what it takes to survive on the seven seas? Test your skills in a nautical navigation choose-your-own-adventure game at the Science History Institute and Museum, learning innovation across cultures and time. Free. (5 to 7 p.m.)
Friday, Nov. 7: Hip-Hop Night: Sip ‘n Shop
Shopping, drinks, local vendors, music and raffles, now every First Friday from 7 to 10 p.m. Free.
Friday, Nov. 7: The Moth Mainstage
Five storytellers will explore the theme of “DARING,” with true and personal stories told live and without notes. Stories of bold choices, audacious proclamations, and moments that required everything they had. Expect to laugh, gasp, cry and maybe even cover your eyes. $49-90 tickets. (7:30 p.m.)
Friday, Nov. 7: The Art Within Us: A Night Market Experience
A collaborative celebration between The Jane Gallery and South Asian Americans for Change, featuring uplifting, art, poetry, jewelry, and handmade works. Free to attend. (5:30 to 9 p.m.)
Friday and Saturday, Nov. 7-8: Agata’s Cantata
An immersive journey to Venice with music composed by and for women at the Venetian Ospedali, the network of baroque-era orphanages that churned out top-tier female musicians on an unprecedented scale. $35 tickets; Free for students with ID. (7 p.m. each night)
Friday and Saturday, Nov. 7-8: Philly Fall Skate Bash
This two-day adult skate event at PhillySkatePlex is $40 for both nights, featuring live DJs. (Friday 10:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m.; Saturday 11 p.m. to 3 a.m.)
Friday to Sunday, Nov. 7-9: 49th Annual PMA Contemporary Craft Show
195 talented artists representing 13 diverse categories of craft and design, with all work for sale and the artists receiving 100% of their sale proceeds. Events include an interactive scarf/shawl tying presentation (Fit to Be Tied) and a fashion event (Find Your Style). At the Pennsylvania Convention Center. $10-20 for one day, $25 for two days.
Saturday, Nov. 8: Hot Spots and Storied Plots
This introductory tour provides an informative overview of Laurel Hill East’s long history, which includes many marble masterpieces, stunning views, and legendary stories that afford the cemetery its WOW factor. $7.50 to $15 tickets. (10 to 11:30 a.m.)
Saturday, Nov. 8: Schuylkill Saturdays: Guided Hike
Explore the natural marvels of the 365-acre nature preserve on a guided hike led by an inspiring environmental educator. This free event is open to all ages. Walk-ins are welcome! (11 a.m. to 12 p.m.)
Saturday, Nov. 8: Fall Makers Market at Elfreth’s Alley
Centuries of artisans, craftspeople, and working class folks lived on this street, and this event celebrates that history by inviting present-day artisans and craftspeople to continue their business on the Alley. Pay-as-you-go. (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Saturday, Nov. 8: Made on American Street Festival
Wissahickon Brewing Company and Punch Buggy Brewing invite you to this festival, filled with art, food, beer and community. Free to attend; VIP tickets available for $31.60. (12 to 6 p.m.)
Saturday, Nov. 8: Peoplehood 2025
The 25th annual parade and pageant celebrating PEOPLE, especially those at the forefront of fighting oppression and discrimination. Activists, artists, community members are invited to join in open art builds at Spiral Q’s West Philadelphia studio during the weeks leading up to the event. (1 p.m.)
Saturday, Nov. 8: Disease, Public Health and Fairmount Water Works Tour
Learn how an epidemic influenced the transition from wells to using the Schuylkill River as a drinking water source for Philadelphia. Free. (1 to 2:30 p.m.)
Saturday, Nov. 8: Philadelphia Street Food Festival
30+ vendors selling food at $5 or less. At Harrah’s Philadelphia Outdoor Pavilion & Racetrack. $16 tickets. (2 to 9 p.m.)
Saturday, Nov. 8: “Hansel & Gretel: A Philly Kid Opera Jawn”: Fairmount Edition
An interactive opera based on the Engelbert Humperdinck classic, reimagined with a true Philly twist. Think Philly rowhomes, Tastykakes, soft pretzels, Eagles chants and plenty of surprises. RSVP; Donations welcome. (5 p.m.)
Saturday, Nov. 8: 2nd Hand Circus Scrap Night
In collaboration with Thunderbird Hall at 2856 Frankford Avenue, at 8 p.m., making a new circus out of old things!
Sunday, Nov. 9: American Color Print Society Fall Exhibition Artist Talk
ACPS is known for its openness to new printmaking techniques and experimentation. The exhibition will include work in all the traditional print techniques such as etching and lithography, as well as risograph, digital prints and monotypes. At the Plastic Club. (1 to 4 p.m.)
The post Voter turnout surges; Tech training for students; SEPTA contract update | Morning Roundup appeared first on Billy Penn at WHYY.
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